The biggest stop between Baltimore and Wilmington would be Aberdeen, MD., and maybe Perry Hall, MD. These, of course are already in MARC territory. As for Delaware, something providing a connection into Newark & the University of Delaware might be helpful, but I suspect that between Newark and Wilmington, stops would have to be established and new stations built.

Guys: GREAT IDEA!! I think that thru service to Wilmington would work fine - I think that DelDot would be responsive to expanded service to Newark,Churchmans Crossing and Wilmington. If they are scheduled correctly,transfers to SEPTA regional rail would work fine. I noticed that DelDot is more receptive to SEPTA than in the past - In my opinion,all Marcus Hook trains should be extended to Wilmington 7 days a week. I think that the need and ridership is there. Another new MARC station can be Elkton - How does the station look today? Could any more new stops be implemented elsewhere? Can a ticketing agreement for transfers be implemented? In Short- LET'S DO IT! MACTRAXX

EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS

Any such service would include a market survey, so stations could be located where most advantageous, not necessarily in the traditional spot. That said, it does seem that it could provide a valuable service. That would leave only the Providence, RI to Shoreline east terminus stretch of the NEC without local service.

Guys: I neglected to mention the main reason for MARC trains to operate to Wilmington: Amtrak maintains the AEM7s and HHP8s under contract at the WIL shop. As I mentioned,DelDot would be more than likely to support financially increased rail service to New Castle County. MACTRAXX

EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS

But how many of the stops would be profitable? At Perry Point, you would get alot of Veterans going to the VA hospital? Newark has a stop and a majority of folks who go to UDel generally have cars which they do not want to give up.

Yeah, I was thinking about this last night. I wanted to go from NYP to WAS without using Amtrak, but then I was wondering how'd I get from a SEPTA train, which usually goes only as far down as Wilmington, to any of the MARC stations?

Good idea. That way, one could go between NYC and DC via commuter trains. The seats might not be as comfortable as Amtrak but better than a bus. In addition, one would have to change more than twice. Good idea, change Septa's regional rail patterns, like have every Septa train on the corridor run between Trenton and Wilmington or even Newark. That would enable two transfers. No one would want to transfer too meny times but two transfers isn't so bad.

If you really wanted to transfer from Wilmington to the Marc Stations in Aberdeen or Perryville, you could take Greyhound. The station is accross the street. I did it once (in a jam), several years ago from Aberdeen to Wilmington when my carpool buddy failed to show. (I got lucky with the schedule.) I transferred to the R2 to Ridley Park.